Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail

Historical Mt Lowe Railway – “Railway to the Clouds”

Date: November 13, 2011
Time: 9:00 am
Near: Altadena, CA 91001
Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
Difficulty:  Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
Hike Time: 4 hours
Trail Type: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and Back 

Summary: Professor Thaddeus Lowe, Civil War balloonist, had a dream to build a railway into—and a resort atop of the San Gabriel Mountains. In the 1890’s, the dream became a reality.  During its height of its popularity, millions took the “Railway to the Clouds” to   fine hotels and spectacular views of Los Angeles.  It was considered Southern California's must-visit attraction. The complex at Echo Mountain (3207'), known as "The White City," contained elegant Echo Mountain House hotel, a chalet, an observatory, a small zoo and a magnificent searchlight purchased from the Chicago World’s Fair.  When the searchlight swept the mountaintop, it was visible from all over LA.  It was coined “The White City”, because it was painted stark white and visible from the LA basin below.  

From Pasadena, visitors rode a trolley up Rubio Canyon.  After taking refreshments, they boarded the “airships” of the great cable incline, which carried them 3,000 ft (gaining 1300 feet) straight up to the Echo Mountain Resort. The trip to Echo Mountain was via 18 trestles and 127 hairpin turns.  From Echo Mountain, visitors could also board a trolley and ride a few miles to Mt. Lowe Tavern at the end of the line.

Wind fueled fires, windstorms and floods destroyed the complex over the years and was abandoned in the 1930’s.  It has all since vanished, but this fascinating hike takes you to the ruins of this official historic landmark.